Generating a Three-Dimensional Preview of a Three-Dimensional Video

ABSTRACT

A method includes generating a set of three-dimensional (3D) virtual reality videos by stitching together image frames of one or more environments captured by a camera array. The method further includes generating graphical data for displaying a virtual reality user interface that includes (1) selectable icons that correspond to the set of 3D virtual reality videos and (2) an object. The method further includes receiving, from a peripheral device, a selection of the object by a user of the peripheral device in the virtual reality user interface and an indication of a desire to move the object to be positioned in front of a first 3D virtual reality video from the set of virtual reality videos. The method further includes providing a first 3D preview of the first 3D virtual reality video within the object.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No.15/677,178, entitled “Behavioral Directional Encoding ofThree-Dimensional Video” filed Aug. 15, 2017, which is a continuation ofU.S. application Ser. No. 15/269,734, entitled “Behavioral DirectionalEncoding of Three-Dimensional Video” filed Sep. 19, 2016 (now U.S. Pat.No. 9,774,887), each of which is incorporated by reference.

FIELD

The embodiments discussed herein are related to generating athree-dimensional preview of a three-dimensional video. Moreparticularly, the embodiments discussed herein relate to providing amovable object as part of a virtual reality user interface that a usermoves in front of a selectable icon of a three-dimensional video to viewa three-dimensional preview of the three-dimensional video within theobject.

BACKGROUND

Generating virtual reality content for a 360° environment may beanalogized to generating content that is displayed in a sphere thatsurrounds a user. Users that view the virtual reality content mayexperience virtual-reality sickness when viewing the virtual realitycontent. Virtual-reality sickness is caused by a difference between whata user views in a peripheral device and what the user's brain expects tofeel. This is also known as a vestibular and visual mismatch and themost common symptom is nausea. Virtual-reality sickness is exacerbatedwhen the users enter and exit multiple virtual reality videos, becausethe process of establishing equilibrium within a first virtual realityvideo, leaving the first virtual reality video, and entering a secondvirtual reality video is overwhelming sensory input for the user's brainto process.

Another problem with virtual-reality sickness occurs when a user is inthe wrong location within a virtual reality video. For example, if thevirtual reality video is of a mountain, the user may enter the video atthe base of the mountain on the south side, but the user may prefer toenter the video at the top of the mountain on the north side. Having tomove within the virtual reality video to be at the desired location mayresult in the user experiencing virtual-reality sickness. Previousvirtual reality systems make no attempt to address this issue and reduceinstances of virtual-reality sickness.

SUMMARY

According to one innovative aspect of the subject matter described inthis disclosure, a method includes generating a set of three-dimensional(3D) virtual reality videos by stitching together image frames of one ormore environments captured by a camera array. The method furtherincludes generating graphical data for displaying a virtual reality userinterface that includes (1) selectable icons that correspond to the setof 3D virtual reality videos and (2) an object. The method furtherincludes receiving, from a peripheral device, a selection of the objectby a user of the peripheral device in the virtual reality user interfaceand an indication of a desire to move the object to be positioned infront of a first 3D virtual reality video from the set of virtualreality videos. The method further includes providing a first 3D previewof the first 3D virtual reality video within the object.

In some embodiments, the object is a sphere. In some embodiments,providing the first 3D preview of the first 3D virtual reality videoincludes displaying information about a subject matter of the first 3Dvirtual reality video in proximity to the object. In some embodiments,the method further comprises moving, using the peripheral device, theobject to be positioned in front of a second 3D virtual reality videofrom the set of virtual reality videos and providing a second 3D previewof the second 3D virtual reality video within the object. In someembodiments, the method further comprises moving, using the peripheraldevice, the object to be located over a head of the user of theperipheral device and displaying the first 3D virtual reality video in ashape of the object surrounding the head of the user. In someembodiments, the method further comprises responsive to moving theobject over the head of the user, expanding the first 3D virtual realityvideo in the object to encompass a three-dimensional locationsurrounding the user and rendering the first 3D virtual reality video.In some embodiments, the method further comprises determining a viewingdirection of the user based on a configuration of the object andrendering a first portion of the 3D virtual reality video thatcorresponds to the viewing direction of the user with a higherresolution than other portions of the 3D virtual reality video that donot correspond to the viewing direction of the user. In someembodiments, the method further comprises providing a second 3D previewof the second 3D virtual reality video within the object, receiving aselection of the second 3D virtual reality video from the user, andreversing the first 3D virtual reality video with the second 3D virtualreality video such that the second 3D virtual reality video renders andthe first 3D preview of the first 3D virtual reality video is displayedwithin the object. In some embodiments, the object includes an indicatorof a progress of the first 3D virtual reality video.

In some embodiments, a system comprises: one or more processors; and amemory with instructions stored thereon that, when executed by the oneor more processors, cause the one or more processors to performoperations comprising: generating a set of 3D virtual reality videos bystitching together image frames of one or more environments captured bya camera array, generating graphical data for displaying a virtualreality user interface that includes (1) selectable icons thatcorrespond to the set of 3D virtual reality videos and (2) an object,receiving, from a peripheral device, a selection of the object by a userof the peripheral device in the virtual reality user interface and anindication of a desire to move the object to be positioned in front of afirst 3D virtual reality video from the set of virtual reality videos,and providing a first 3D preview of the first 3D virtual reality videowithin the object.

In some embodiments, the object is a sphere. In some embodiments,providing the first 3D preview of the first 3D virtual reality videoincludes displaying information about a subject matter of the first 3Dvirtual reality video in proximity to the object. In some embodiments,the instructions cause the one or more processors to perform furtheroperations comprising: moving, using the peripheral device, the objectto be positioned in front of a second 3D virtual reality video from theset of virtual reality videos and providing a second 3D preview of thesecond 3D virtual reality video within the object. In some embodiments,the instructions cause the one or more processors to perform furtheroperations comprising: moving, using the peripheral device, the objectto be located over a head of the user of the peripheral device anddisplaying the first 3D virtual reality video in a shape of the objectsurrounding the head of the user.

In some embodiments, a non-transitory computer readable medium includesinstructions that, when executed by one or more computers, cause the oneor more computers to perform operations, the operations comprising:generating a set of 3D virtual reality videos by stitching togetherimage frames of one or more environments captured by a camera array,generating graphical data for displaying a virtual reality userinterface that includes (1) selectable icons that correspond to the setof 3D virtual reality videos and (2) an object, receiving, from aperipheral device, a selection of the object by a user of the peripheraldevice in the virtual reality user interface and an indication of adesire to move the object to be positioned in front of a first 3Dvirtual reality video from the set of virtual reality videos, andproviding a first 3D preview of the first 3D virtual reality videowithin the object.

In some embodiments, the object is a sphere. In some embodiments,providing the first 3D preview of the first 3D virtual reality videoincludes displaying information about a subject matter of the first 3Dvirtual reality video in proximity to the object. In some embodiments,the operations further comprise: moving, using the peripheral device,the object to be located over a head of the user of the peripheraldevice and displaying the first 3D virtual reality video in a shape ofthe object surrounding the head of the user. In some embodiments, theoperations further comprise: responsive to moving the object over thehead of the user, expanding the first 3D virtual reality video in theobject to encompass a three-dimensional location surrounding the userand playing the first 3D virtual reality video. In some embodiments, theoperations further comprise: determining a viewing direction of the userbased on a configuration of the object and rendering a first portion ofthe 3D virtual reality video that corresponds to the viewing directionof the user with a higher resolution than other portions of the 3Dvirtual reality video that do not correspond to the viewing direction ofthe user.

Other aspects include corresponding methods, systems, apparatus, andcomputer program products for these and other innovative aspects.

The disclosure is particularly advantageous in a number of respects.First, the virtual reality application provides an object, such as asphere, that displays a three-dimensional preview of a three-dimensionalvirtual reality video that the user can use to view the content andenter three-dimensional virtual reality video. The user can also use theobject to select a different location within the three-dimensionalvirtual reality video, thereby reducing instances of nausea by selectinga more particular location where the user wants to be within thethree-dimensional virtual reality video. Lastly, the virtual realityapplication can determine a viewing direction based on the selectedlocation and render the three-dimensional virtual reality video for thatviewing direction with a higher bandwidth than other areas of thethree-dimensional virtual reality video where the user is not looking toreduce the bandwidth requirements and improve the ability to stream thethree-dimensional virtual reality video.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an example virtual reality system that generatesthree-dimensional virtual reality videos and user interfaces accordingto some embodiments.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example video streaming server that generatesthree-dimensional virtual reality videos according to some embodiments.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example viewing device according to someembodiments.

FIG. 4A illustrates an example user interface with selectable icons thatcorrespond to a set of three-dimensional virtual reality videosaccording to some embodiments.

FIG. 4B illustrates an example user interface where an object includes athree-dimensional preview of a three-dimensional virtual reality videoaccording to some embodiments.

FIG. 4C illustrates an example user interface of a sphere thatillustrates a user entering the three-dimensional virtual reality videoat a first location according to some embodiments.

FIG. 4D illustrates an example user interface of the sphere of FIG. 4Cwhere a user has rotated the sphere to enter the three-dimensionalvirtual reality video at a second location according to someembodiments.

FIG. 4E illustrates an example user interface of the sphere of FIG. 4Dafter the user has selected to enter at the second location according tosome embodiments.

FIG. 5A illustrates an example of a user holding a sphere according tosome embodiments.

FIG. 5B illustrates an example of the sphere of FIG. 5A on top of theuser's head so that the user can view three-dimensional virtual realityvideo according to some embodiments.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example user interface for navigating betweendifferent three-dimensional virtual reality videos according to someembodiments.

FIG. 7A illustrates an example of a user grabbing the three-dimensionalvirtual reality video according to some embodiments.

FIG. 7B illustrates an example of the three-dimensional virtual realityvideo grabbed from FIG. 7A and displayed within an object according tosome embodiments.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example flow diagram for generating an object forviewing a three-dimensional preview of a three-dimensional virtualreality video according to some embodiments.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example flow diagram for using a sphere to viewthree-dimensional virtual reality video and reorient the user's locationwithin the three-dimensional virtual reality video.

FIG. 10 illustrates an example flow diagram for moving athree-dimensional virtual reality video from a first location into anobject according to some embodiments.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Example System

FIG. 1 illustrates an example virtual reality system 100 that generatesthree-dimensional virtual reality videos and user interfaces. Thevirtual reality system 100 comprises a video streaming server 101, aviewing device 125, a peripheral device 127, a second server 135, and anetwork 105.

While FIG. 1 illustrates one video streaming server 101, one viewingdevice 125, one peripheral device 127, and one second server 135, thedisclosure applies to a system architecture having one or more videostreaming servers 101, one or more viewing devices 125, one or moreperipheral devices 127, and one or more second servers 135. Furthermore,although FIG. 1 illustrates one network 105 coupled to the entities ofthe system 100, in practice one or more networks 105 may be connected tothese entities and the one or more networks 105 may be of various anddifferent types.

The network 105 may be a conventional type, wired or wireless, and mayhave numerous different configurations including a star configuration,token ring configuration, or other configurations. Furthermore, thenetwork 105 may include a local area network (LAN), a wide area network(WAN) (e.g., the Internet), or other interconnected data paths acrosswhich multiple devices may communicate. In some embodiments, the network105 may be a peer-to-peer network. The network 105 may also be coupledto or include portions of a telecommunications network for sending datain a variety of different communication protocols. In some embodiments,the network 105 may include Bluetooth™ communication networks or acellular communication network for sending and receiving data includingvia short messaging service (SMS), multimedia messaging service (MMS),hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP), direct data connection, wirelessaccess protocol (WAP), e-mail, etc.

The video streaming server 101 may be a hardware server that includes aprocessor, a memory, a database 109, and network communicationcapabilities. The video streaming server 101 may also include a virtualreality application 103 a. In some embodiments, the virtual realityapplication 103 a can be implemented using hardware including afield-programmable gate array (“FPGA”) or an application-specificintegrated circuit (“ASIC”). In some other embodiments, the virtualreality application 103 a may be implemented using a combination ofhardware and software. The video streaming server 101 may communicatewith the network 105 via signal line 107.

The virtual reality application 103 a may receive images of athree-dimensional environment from a camera array or a second server 135and generate a three-dimensional virtual reality video based on theimage frames. In some embodiments, the virtual reality application 103 agenerates a user interface for navigating between differentthree-dimensional virtual reality videos. The database 109 may store thethree-dimensional virtual reality videos and graphical data forgenerating the user interface.

The viewing device 125 may be a processor-based computing device. Forexample, the viewing device 125 may be a personal computer, laptop,mobile device, tablet computing device, smartphone, set top box,network-enabled television, or any other processor based computingdevice. In some embodiments, the viewing device 125 includes networkfunctionality and is communicatively coupled to the network 105 via asignal line 117. The viewing device 125 may be configured to transmitdata to the video streaming server 101 or to receive data from the videostreaming server 101 via the network 105. A user may access the viewingdevice 125.

The viewing device 125 may includes a virtual reality application 103 b.In some embodiments, the virtual reality application 103 b receives thethree-dimensional virtual reality video from the video streaming server101 and decodes the three-dimensional virtual reality video and displaya decoded video stream. For example, the virtual reality application 103b may decode the three-dimensional virtual reality video and determine aregion of interest within the three-dimensional virtual reality videothat is displayed at a higher resolution than the areas that are notregions of interest.

The viewing device 125 may be operable to display the decoded videostream. The viewing device 125 may include or use a computing device torender the video stream for the three-dimensional virtual reality videosand user interface on a virtual reality display device (e.g., OculusRift virtual reality display) or other suitable display devices thatinclude, but are not limited to: headsets; augmented reality glasses;televisions, smartphones, tablets, or other devices withthree-dimensional displays and/or position tracking sensors; and displaydevices with a viewing position control, etc. The viewing device 125 mayalso render a stream of three-dimensional audio data on an audioreproduction device (e.g., a headphone or other suitable speakerdevices). The viewing device 125 may include the virtual reality displayconfigured to render the three-dimensional virtual reality videos anduser interface and the audio reproduction device configured to renderthe three-dimensional audio data. An end user may interact with theviewing device 125.

The viewing device 125 may track a head orientation of the end userwhile the end user is viewing the decoded video stream. For example, theviewing device 125 may include one or more accelerometers or gyroscopesused to detect a change in the end user's head orientation. The viewingdevice 125 may render the video stream of a three-dimensional virtualreality video on a virtual reality display device based on the viewingdirection of the end user. As the end user changes his or her headorientation, the viewing device 125 may adjust the rendering of thedecoded video stream based on the changes of the viewing direction ofthe end user. The viewing device 125 may log head-tracking data andtransmit the head-tracking data to the virtual reality application 103b. Although not illustrated, in some embodiments the viewing device 125may include some or all of the components of the virtual realityapplication 103 a described below.

The peripheral device 127 may be a hardware controller for enabling auser to interact with the user interface and the three-dimensionalvirtual reality video. For example, the peripheral device 127 mayinclude virtual reality gloves, a joystick, touch controllers (e.g.,Oculus Touch), a mouse, a motion sensor/controller that detects handmovements (or other body part movements) and interprets the handmovements (or other body part movements) as actions, etc. The peripheraldevice 127 is coupled to the network 105 via signal line 120.

The second server 135 may be a hardware server that includes aprocessor, a memory, a database, and network communication capabilities.In the illustrated embodiment, the second server 135 is coupled to thenetwork 105 via signal line 130. The second server 135 sends andreceives data to and from one or more of the other entities of thesystem 100 via the network 105. For example, the second server 135generates a three-dimensional virtual reality video and transmits thethree-dimensional virtual reality video to the video streaming server101. The second server 135 may include a virtual reality applicationthat receives video data and audio data from a camera array andaggregates the video data to generate the three-dimensional virtualreality video.

Example Video Streaming Server 101

FIG. 2 illustrates an example video streaming server 101 that generatesthree-dimensional virtual reality videos according to some embodiments.In some embodiments, the video streaming server 101 may include aspecial-purpose computing device configured to provide some or all ofthe functionality described below with reference to FIGS. 4A-10.

FIG. 2 may include a processor 225, a memory 227, a communication unit245, and a database 109. The processor 225, the memory 227, thecommunication unit 245, and the database 109 are communicatively coupledto the bus 220. Other hardware components may be part of the videostreaming server 101, such as sensors (e.g., a gyroscope,accelerometer), etc.

The processor 225 may include an arithmetic logic unit, amicroprocessor, a general-purpose controller, or some other processorarray to perform computations and provide electronic display signals toa display device. The processor 225 processes data signals and mayinclude various computing architectures including a complex instructionset computer (CISC) architecture, a reduced instruction set computer(RISC) architecture, or an architecture implementing a combination ofinstruction sets. Although FIG. 2 includes a single processor 225,multiple processors may be included. Other processors, operatingsystems, sensors, displays, and physical configurations may be possible.The processor 225 is coupled to the bus 220 for communication with theother components via signal line 234.

The memory 227 stores instructions or data that may be executed by theprocessor 225. The instructions or data may include code for performingthe techniques described herein. For example, the memory 227 may storethe virtual reality application 103 a, which may be a series of modulesthat include instructions or data for generating three-dimensionalvideos.

The memory 227 may include a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) device,a static random access memory (SRAM) device, flash memory, or some othermemory device. In some embodiments, the memory 227 also includes anon-volatile memory or similar permanent storage device and mediaincluding a hard disk drive, a CD-ROM device, a DVD-ROM device, aDVD-RAM device, a DVD-RW device, a flash memory device, or some othermass storage device for storing information on a more permanent basis.The memory 227 is coupled to the bus 220 for communication with theother components via signal line 236.

The communication unit 245 includes hardware that may transmit andreceive data to and from the viewing device 125, the peripheral device127, the second server 135, and any other components that are notillustrated in FIG. 1, such as a camera array. The communication unit245 is coupled to the bus 220 via signal line 238. In some embodiments,the communication unit 245 includes one or more ports for directphysical connection to the network 105 or another communication channel.For example, the communication unit 245 includes a USB, SD, CAT-5, orsimilar port for wired communication with the video streaming server101. In some embodiments, the communication unit 245 includes a wirelesstransceiver for exchanging data with the video streaming server 101 orother communication channels using one or more wireless communicationmethods, including IEEE 802.11, IEEE 802.16, Bluetooth®, or anothersuitable wireless communication method.

In some embodiments, the communication unit 245 includes a cellularcommunications transceiver for sending and receiving data over acellular communications network including via short messaging service(SMS), multimedia messaging service (MMS), hypertext transfer protocol(HTTP), direct data connection, WAP, e-mail, or another suitable type ofelectronic communication. In some embodiments, the communication unit245 includes a wired port and a wireless transceiver. The communicationunit 245 also provides other conventional connections to the network 105for distribution of files or media objects using standard networkprotocols including TCP/IP, HTTP, HTTPS, and SMTP, etc.

The database 109 may include hardware for storing data, such asthree-dimensional virtual reality videos and graphical data forgenerating the user interface. The database 109 is coupled to the bus220 via signal line 240.

The virtual reality application 103 a may include an aggregation module202, a head tracking module 204, a segmentation module 206, aparameterization module 208, an encoder module 210, and a user interfacemodule 212. Although the modules are illustrated as being part of thesame video streaming server 101, in some embodiments some of the modulesare stored on the video streaming server 101 and some of the modules arestored on the viewing device 125. For example, the video streamingserver 101 may include the head tracking module 204, the segmentationmodule 206, the parameterization module, and the encoder module 210 andthe viewing device 125 may include the user interface module 212.

The aggregation module 202 may include code and routines for aggregatingvideo data. In some embodiments, the aggregation module 202 includes aset of instructions executable by the processor 225 to aggregate videodata. In some embodiments, the aggregation module 202 is stored in thememory 227 of the video streaming server 101 and is accessible andexecutable by the processor 225. In some embodiments, the aggregationmodule 202 may be part of a separate application.

The aggregation module 202 may receive video data from the camera array.In some embodiments, the video data includes separate video recordingsfor each camera module included in the camera array and a deviceidentifier (ID) that identifies the camera module corresponding to eachseparate video recording.

A two-dimensional (2D) spherical panoramic image may be used torepresent a panorama of an entire scene. The aggregation module 202 maygenerate two stereoscopic panorama images for two eyes to provide astereoscopic view of the entire scene. For example, a left panoramicimage may be generated for the left eye viewing and a right panoramicimage may be generated for the right eye viewing.

A pixel in a panoramic image may be represented by a yaw value and apitch value. Yaw represents rotation around the center and may berepresented on the horizontal x-axis as: yaw=360°×x/width. Yaw has avalue between 0° and 360°. Pitch represents up or down rotation and maybe represented on the vertical y-axis as:pitch=90°×(height/2−y)/(height/2). Pitch has a value between −90° and90°.

Typical stereoscopic systems (e.g., three-dimensional movies) mayrespectively show two different planar images to two eyes to create asense of depth. In each planar image, all pixels in the image representa single eye viewing position. For example, all pixels in the planarimage may represent a view into the same viewing direction. However, inthe panoramic image described herein (the left or right panoramicimage), each pixel in the panoramic image may represent a view into aslightly different direction. For example, a pixel at an x position withpitch=0° in a left panoramic image may represent an eye viewing positionof the left eye as the head is rotated by the yaw indicated by the xposition. Similarly, a pixel at an x position with pitch=0° in a rightpanoramic image represents an eye viewing position of the right eye asthe head is rotated by the yaw indicated by the x position. For pitch=0°(e.g., no up and down rotations), as the head is rotated from x=0 tox=width, a blended panorama for eye viewing positions with all360-degree head rotations in the horizontal axis may be produced.

In some implementations, the blended panorama is effective for headrotations along the horizontal axis (e.g., yaw) but not for the verticalaxis (e.g., pitch). For example, when a user looks upward, the qualityof the stereo view may degrade. In order to correct this deficiency, theinterocular distance may be adjusted based on the current pitch value.For example, if pitch≠0°, the interocular distance associated with thepitch may be adjusted as: interocular distance=max(interoculardistance)×cos(pitch), where max(interocular distance) represents themaximum value of the interocular distance (e.g., the interoculardistance is at its maximum when pitch=0°). In some examples, the maximumvalue of the interocular distance may be about 60 millimeters. In otherexamples, the maximum value of the interocular distance may have a valuegreater than 60 millimeters or less than 60 millimeters.

The aggregation module 202 may construct a left camera mapping map foreach pixel in a left panoramic image. For example, for a pixel in a leftpanoramic image that represents a point in a panorama, the left cameramapping map may identify matching camera modules from a camera arraywith spherical modules that have each a better view for the point in thepanorama than other camera modules. Thus, the left camera mapping mapmay map pixels in a left panoramic image to matching camera modules thathave better views for the corresponding pixels.

For each pixel in a left panoramic image that represents a point in apanorama, the aggregation module 202 may determine a yaw, a pitch, andan interocular distance using the above mathematical expressions (1),(2), and (3), respectively. The aggregation module 202 may use the yawand pitch to construct a vector representing a viewing direction of theleft eye (e.g., a left viewing direction) to the corresponding point inthe panorama.

Similarly, the aggregation module 202 may construct a right cameramapping map that identifies a corresponding matching camera module foreach pixel in a right panoramic image. For example, for a pixel in aright panoramic image that represents a point in a panorama, the rightcamera mapping map may identify a matching camera module that has abetter view for the point in the panorama than other camera modules.Thus, the right camera mapping map may map pixels in a right panoramicimage to matching camera modules that have better views for thecorresponding pixels.

For each pixel in a right panoramic image that represents a point in apanorama, the aggregation module 202 may determine a yaw, a pitch, andan interocular distance using the above mathematical expressions,respectively. The aggregation module 202 may use the yaw and pitch toconstruct a vector representing a viewing direction of the right eye(e.g., a right viewing direction) to the corresponding point in thepanorama.

The aggregation module 202 may receive video recordings that describeimage frames from the various camera modules in a camera array. Theaggregation module 202 identifies a location and timing associated witheach of the camera modules and synchronizes the image frames based onlocations and timings of the camera modules. The aggregation module 202synchronizes image frames captured by different camera modules at thesame time frames.

For example, the aggregation module 202 receives a first video recordingwith first images from a first camera module and a second videorecording with second images from a second camera module. Theaggregation module 202 identifies that the first camera module islocated at a position with yaw=0° and pitch=0° and the second cameramodule is located at a position with yaw=30° and pitch=0°. Theaggregation module 202 synchronizes the first images with the secondimages by associating a first image frame from the first images at atime frame T=T₀ with a second image frame from the second images at thetime frame T=T₀, a third image frame from the first images at a timeframe T=T₁ with a fourth image frame from the second images at the timeframe T=T₁, and so on and so forth.

The aggregation module 202 may construct a stream of left panoramicimages from the image frames based on the left camera mapping map. Forexample, the aggregation module 202 identifies matching camera moduleslisted in the left camera mapping map. The aggregation module 202constructs a first left panoramic image PI_(L,0) for a first time frameT=T₀ by stitching together image frames captured at the first time frameT=T₀ by the matching camera modules. The aggregation module 202constructs a second left panoramic image PI_(L,1) at a second time frameT=T₁ using image frames captured at the second time frame T=T₁ by thematching camera modules, and so on and so forth. The aggregation module202 constructs the stream of left panoramic images to include the firstleft panoramic image PI_(L,0) at the first time frame T=T₀, the secondleft panoramic image PI_(L,1) at the second time frame T=T₁, and otherleft panoramic images at other corresponding time frames.

Specifically, for a pixel in a left panoramic image PI_(L,i) at aparticular time frame T=T_(i) (i=0, 1, 2, . . . ), the aggregationmodule 202: (1) identifies a matching camera module from the left cameramapping map; and (2) configures the pixel in the left panoramic imagePI_(L,i) to be a corresponding pixel from an image frame captured by thematching camera module at the same time frame T=T_(i). The pixel in theleft panoramic image PI_(L,i) and the corresponding pixel in the imageframe of the matching camera module may correspond to the same point inthe panorama. For example, for a pixel location in the left panoramicimage PI_(L,i) that corresponds to a point in the panorama, theaggregation module 202: (1) retrieves a pixel that also corresponds tothe same point in the panorama from the image frame captured by thematching camera module at the same time frame T=T_(i) and (2) places thepixel from the image frame of the matching camera module into the pixellocation of the left panoramic image PI_(L,i).

Similarly, the aggregation module 202 constructs a stream of rightpanoramic images from the image frames based on the right camera mappingmap by performing operations similar to those described above withreference to the construction of the stream of left panoramic images.For example, the aggregation module 202 identifies matching cameramodules listed in the right camera mapping map. The aggregation module202 constructs a first right panoramic image PI_(R,0) for a first timeframe T=T₀ by stitching together image frames captured at the first timeframe T=T₀ by the matching camera modules. The aggregation module 202constructs a second right panoramic image PI_(R,1) at a second timeframe T=T₁ using image frames captured at the second time frame T=T₁ bythe matching camera modules, and so on and so forth. The aggregationmodule 202 constructs the stream of right panoramic images to includethe first right panoramic image PI_(R,0) at the first time frame T=T₀,the second right panoramic image PI_(R,1) at the second time frame T=T₁,and other right panoramic images at other corresponding time frames.

Specifically, for a pixel in a right panoramic image PI_(R,i) at aparticular time frame T=T_(i) (i=0, 1, 2, . . . ), the aggregationmodule 202: (1) identifies a matching camera module from the rightcamera mapping map; and (2) configures the pixel in the right panoramicimage PI_(R,i) to be a corresponding pixel from an image frame capturedby the matching camera module at the same time frame T=T_(i). The pixelin the right panoramic image PI_(R,i) and the corresponding pixel in theimage frame of the matching camera module may correspond to the samepoint in the panorama.

The aggregation module 202 may obtain virtual reality content from thestream of left panoramic images, the stream of right panoramic images,and the audio data by sending one or more of the stream of leftpanoramic images, the stream of right panoramic images, and the audiodata to the encoder module 210 for encoding. The encoder module 210 maycompress the stream of left panoramic images and the stream of rightpanoramic images to generate a stream of compressed three-dimensionalvideo data using video compression techniques. In some implementations,within each stream of the left or right panoramic images, the encodermodule 210 may use redundant information from one frame to a next frameto reduce the size of the corresponding stream. For example, withreference to a first image frame (e.g., a reference frame), redundantinformation in the next image frames may be removed to reduce the sizeof the next image frames. This compression may be referred to astemporal or inter-frame compression within the same stream of left orright panoramic images.

Alternatively or additionally, the encoder module 210 may use one stream(either the stream of left panoramic images or the stream of rightpanoramic images) as a reference stream and may compress the otherstream based on the reference stream. This compression may be referredto as inter-stream compression. For example, the encoder module 210 mayuse each left panoramic image as a reference frame for a correspondingright panoramic image and may compress the corresponding right panoramicimage based on the referenced left panoramic image. The encoding processis discussed in greater detail below with reference to the encodermodule 210. Once the encoder module 210 completes the encoding process,the aggregation module 202 may transmit, via the communication unit 245,the three-dimensional video to the viewing device 125.

The head tracking module 204 may include code and routines for receivinghead tracking data and generating a probabilistic model. In someembodiments, the head tracking module 204 includes a set of instructionsexecutable by the processor 225 to receive head tracking data andgenerate the probabilistic model. In some embodiments, the head trackingmodule 204 is stored in the memory 227 of the video streaming server 101and is accessible and executable by the processor 225.

The head tracking module 204 may receive head tracking data from theviewing device 125 that corresponds to a three-dimensional video. Thehead tracking data may describe a person's head movement as the personwatches the three-dimensional video. For example, the head tracking datamay reflect that a person moved her head up and to the right to look atan image of a squirrel in a tree. In some embodiments, the head trackingdata includes yaw (i.e., rotation around a vertical axis), pitch (i.e.,rotation around a side-to-side axis), and roll (i.e., rotation around afront-to-back axis) for a person as a function of time that correspondsto the three-dimensional video. In some implementations, the headtracking module 204 determines a head-mounted display position for eachperson at a particular frequency, such as 10 Hz throughout thethree-dimensional video.

In some embodiments, the head tracking module 204 generates userprofiles based on the head tracking data. For example, the head trackingmodule 204 may aggregate head tracking data from multiple people andorganize it according to a first most common region of interest in thethree-dimensional video, a second most common region of interest in thethree-dimensional video, and a third most common region of interest inthe three-dimensional video. In some embodiments, the head trackingmodule 204 may generate user profiles based on demographic informationcorresponding to the people. For example, the head tracking module 204may generate a user profile based on age, gender, etc. In someembodiments, the head tracking module 204 may generate a user profilebased on physical characteristics. For example, the head tracking module204 may identify people that move frequently while viewing thethree-dimensional video and people that move very little. In someembodiments, the head tracking module 204 generates a user profile for aparticular user.

The head tracking module 204 generates a probabilistic model of one ormore positions of people that view a three-dimensional video. Theprobabilistic model identifies a probability of a viewer looking in aparticular direction as a function of time. For example, theprobabilistic model identifies that a viewer will likely look at aparticular object as it moves in the three-dimensional video and thatthe viewer is unlikely to look direction behind the current locationwhere the viewer is looking.

The head tracking module 204 may generate the probabilistic model on apixel-by-pixel basis, based on regions in the view, such as afield-of-view, equal-sized divisions of the sphere, etc.

The probabilistic model may include a heat map. For example, the heatmap may be rendered as a sequence of false-colored images. In someembodiments, the probabilistic model is displayed as an overlay on topof the three-dimensional video. In some embodiments, the probabilisticmodel is not displayed but is instead used by the encoder module 210 asdescribed below.

In some embodiments, the parameterization module 208 uses theprobabilistic model to determine where one or more people are looking.For example, analysis of one or more probabilistic models may indicatethat people frequently look in particular direction when watching agiven piece of virtual reality content. Subsequent people may benefitfrom this information since it may help them to know where they shouldbe looking when watching the virtual reality content. The encoder module210 may present recommendations to people about where they should belooking when viewing virtual reality content. The recommendations may beaudio cues, visual cues or a combination of audio and visual cues. Insome embodiments, the visual cues may include blurring every portion ofthe virtual reality content except for the recommended location where aviewer should be looking.

In some embodiments, the head tracking module 204 may use artificialintelligence to generate a set of probabilistic models from a set ofthree-dimensional videos. For example, the database 109 stored on thevideo streaming server 101 may include all three-dimensional videosoffered by a company that generates virtual reality content. The headtracking module 204 may use head-tracking data from users that viewthose three-dimensional videos as a training set for generating the setof probabilistic models. The head tracking module 204 may include aneural network that is trained using the set of probabilistic models todetermine a probabilistic distribution of viewer gaze.

In some embodiments, the artificial intelligence may be usediteratively, such that each time a new three-dimensional video isgenerated, the head tracking module 204 uses artificial intelligence(e.g., the neural network) to generate a probabilistic model for the newthree-dimensional video. This advantageously results in the creation ofprobabilistic models for three-dimensional videos that have never beenwatched.

The segmentation module 206 may include code and routines for generatingvideo segments from the three-dimensional video. In some embodiments,the segmentation module 206 includes a set of instructions executable bythe processor 225 to generate the video segments. In some embodiments,the segmentation module 206 is stored in the memory 227 of the videostreaming server 101 and is accessible and executable by the processor225.

The segmentation module 206 generates video segments from thethree-dimensional video. In some embodiments, the segmentation module206 generates equal-length video segments of a predetermined length. Forexample, the segmentation module 206 divides a three-minutethree-dimensional video into 360 two-second segments. In someembodiments, the segmentation module 206 detects scene boundaries in thethree-dimensional video and segments the three-dimensional video basedon the scene boundaries. For example, the segmentation module 206compares a first frame to a next frame to identify differences thatindicate a transition between shots. When the segmentation module 206detects the transition between shots, the segmentation module 206generates a segment that includes the shot. In some embodiments, thesegmentation module 206 may generate segments using a combination ofdetection of scene boundaries and timing. For example, the segmentationmodule 206 may first segment the three-dimensional video based ontransitions between shots and further segment if any shots exceed apredetermined length of time, such as five seconds.

The parameterization module 208 may include code and routines forgenerating optimal segment parameters. In some embodiments, theparameterization module 208 includes a set of instructions executable bythe processor 225 to generate the optimal segment parameters. In someembodiments, the parameterization module 208 is stored in the memory 227of the video streaming server 101 and is accessible and executable bythe processor 225.

Three-dimensional video is viewable in all directions. Thus, thethree-dimensional video may be modeled by a sphere where a user is inthe center of the sphere and may view content from the three-dimensionalvideo in any direction. In some embodiments, the parameterization module208 converts the locations on the surface of the sphere into a plane.For example, the parameterization module 208 may use a map projection totransform the latitudes and longitudes of locations on the surface ofthe sphere into locations on a plane. In some embodiments, for each ofthe video segments, the parameterization module 208 determines adirectional encoding format (i.e., a map projection) that projectslatitudes and longitudes of locations of the surface of the sphere intolocations on the plane. The directional encoding format, i.e., theprojection of the latitudes and longitudes of locations of the surfaceof the sphere may be represented by the following equation:

f(yaw,pitch,roll,parameters)→resolution  Eq. (1a)

where the yaw, pitch, and roll values are obtained from thehead-tracking data and/or the probabilistic model. Specifically, theyaw, pitch, and roll values describes a position of a person that isviewing the three-dimensional video as a function of time. The yaw,pitch, and roll values may include head-tracking data that is aggregatedfor multiple people that view the three-dimensional video. Theparameters represent a location in the plane and the resolution is theresolution of the three-dimensional video at a region that correspondsto the yaw, pitch, and roll values.

In some embodiments, the directional encoding format may be representedby the following equation:

f(parameters(pitch,yaw))→resolution  Eq. (1b)

The parameterization module 208 may design a cost function that gives ameasure of perceived resolution (e.g., a geometric mean of horizontaland vertical pixels per degree at a display center) for a user gazing ina particular direction at a particular timestamp for a particular set ofparameters for the projection. For example, where the latitude/longitudeis 0 on the sphere, the particular set of parameters may indicate howbiased the encoding is towards its high-resolution region. In someembodiments, the total cost function may be defined as a sum of theindividual costs as a function of optimal segment parameters at aparticular point in the three-dimensional video.

The parameterization module 208 may set a resolution threshold, such as10 pixels per degree, that is display and bandwidth-target dependent. Iff(parameters) is greater than the resolution threshold, there is nobenefit and a cost function that incorporates hinge loss from machinelearning may be represented by the following equation:

cost(yaw,pitch,roll,params)=max(10−f(yaw,pitch,roll,params),0)  Eq. (2a)

where params represents the optimal segment parameters. Theparameterization module 208 uses the cost function to identify a regionof interest on the plane based on the head-tracking data and/or theprobabilistic model by minimizing a total cost for all users that viewedthe three-dimensional video. Persons of ordinary skill in the art willrecognize that other cost functions may be used. The parameterizationmodule 208 may generate optimal segment parameters that minimize asum-over position for the region of interest by applying the costfunction. The optimal segment parameters may include a (yaw, pitch)tuple that encodes the region of interest in the video segment. In someembodiments, the parameterization module 208 determines one or moreregions of low interest based on the probabilistic model. For example, aregion of low interest may include a field-of-view or other division ofa three-dimensional video based on the probabilistic model.

In some embodiments, the parameterization module 208 determines multipledirectional encodings in each of the video segments forthree-dimensional video to identify multiple regions of interest withinthe three-dimensional video. For example, the head tracking module 204generates a first user profile and a second user profile and theparameterization module 208 generates first optimal segment parametersassociated with the first user profile and second optimal segmentparameters associated with the second user profile.

The parameterization module 208 may determine the multiple directionalencodings using time-dependent clustering and/or a model that is similarto k-means clustering. The parameterization module 208 may determine npaths in the three-dimensional video where each path represents anindependent set of parameters. If n>1, the cost function may be definedas:

cost_multi(yaw,pitch,roll,parameter_sets)=max([cost(yaw,pitch,roll,param_set)for param_set in parameter_sets])  Eq. (2b)

In some embodiments, a new directional encoding format may be designedwith multiple potential regions of interest. The new directionalencoding format may be converted into the above resolution and costfunctions.

The encoder module 210 may include code and routines for re-encoding thethree-dimensional video. In some embodiments, the encoder module 210includes a set of instructions executable by the processor 225 tore-encode the three-dimensional video. In some embodiments, the encodermodule 210 is stored in the memory 227 of the video streaming server 101and is accessible and executable by the processor 225.

The encoder module 210 may re-encode the three-dimensional video toinclude the optimal segment parameters for each of the video segments.For example, the encoder module 210 may re-encode the three-dimensionalvideo by generating a re-encoded video that includes a high-resolutionversion of the region of interest and a lower resolution version of theother regions in the re-encoded video. The encoder module 210 maytransmit, via the communication unit 245, the re-encoded video and theoptimal segment parameters for each of the video segments to the viewingdevice 125.

In some embodiments, the encoder module 210 re-encodes thethree-dimensional video by blurring portions of the three-dimensionalvideo. The encoder module 210 may blur on a pixel-by-pixel basisaccording to a probability that the viewer is looking at a particularpixel based on the probabilistic model. Alternatively or additionally,the encoder module 210 may blur based on regions of interest or regionsof low interest.

In some embodiments, the encoder module 210 blurs each of the videosegments with varying intensity such that the intensity of a level ofblur increases as the probability of a viewer looking in a particulardirection decreases. For example, a video segment with a single movingobject may include the region around the moving object optimized toinclude high resolution, the area surrounding the moving objectincluding slightly lower resolution, the top and bottom of the videosegment including significant blur etc.

In some embodiments, the encoder module 210 re-encodes thethree-dimensional video to include optimal segment parameters for eachof the video segments and/or blurs portions of each of the videosegments responsive to a threshold number of people viewing thethree-dimensional video. For example, if only two people viewed thethree-dimensional video, the head-tracking data generated from thosepeople viewing the three-dimensional video may be insufficient toreliably predict a probability of a viewer looking in a particularlocation.

The viewing device 125 may receive the re-encoded video and the optimalsegment parameters for each of the video segments from the encodermodule 210. The viewing device 125 may use the optimal segmentparameters for each of the video segments to un-distort the re-encodedvideo and texture the re-encoded video to the sphere to display there-encoded video with the region of interest for each of the videosegments displayed at a higher resolution that other regions in each ofthe video segments.

In some embodiments, the encoder module 210 re-encodes thethree-dimensional video to include different sets of optimal segmentparameters. For example, the head track module 204 may generate a firstuser profile that reflects a most common region in each of the videosegments and a second user profile that reflects a second most commonregion in each of the video segments. The parameterization module 208may generate first optimal segment parameters associated with the firstuser profile and second optimal segment parameters associated with thesecond user profile. The encoder module 210 may re-encode thethree-dimensional video to include the first optimal segment parametersand the second optimal segment parameters for each of the videosegments. The encoder module 210 may provide the re-encoded video, thefirst optimal segment parameters for each of the video segments, and thesecond optimal segment parameters for each of the video segments to theviewing device 125. The viewing device 125 may un-distort the re-encodedvideo and texture the re-encoded video to the sphere to display there-encoded video with two regions of interest for each of the videosegments displayed at a higher resolution than other regions in each ofthe video segments.

In some embodiments, the head-track module 204 may generate multipleuser profiles where different people were looking at the same region ofinterest for a particular video segment. For example, the head-trackmodule 204 may generate different user profiles based on the age of thepeople that viewed the three-dimensional video. There may be instanceswhere the people in the different age groups looked at the same objectin the three-dimensional video because the object was moving fast,making a loud noise, etc. As a result, in some embodiments, the encodermodule 210 may re-encode the three-dimensional video to include a singleregion of interest at a higher resolution than other regions of interestfor a video segment even though the re-encoded video is based onmultiple sets of segment parameters. In some embodiments where thehead-track module 204 generates a user profile for a particular user,the encoder module 210 may re-encode the three-dimensional video for auser based on the user profile for the particular user.

In some embodiments, the encoder module 210 re-encodes thethree-dimensional video for use as a two-dimensional video. For example,the encoder module 210 re-encodes the three-dimensional video to includethe optimal segment parameters for each of the video segments andprovides a re-encoded video and the optimal segment parameters for eachof the video segments to the viewing device 125 or the viewing device125. The viewing device 125 may be used for browser-based players thatdisplay the two-dimensional video, for example, on a computer screen.The viewing device 125 may be used, for example, when a user wants toswitch from an interactive three-dimensional video to an autopilot modethat displays a two-dimensional video that does all the work for theuser.

The viewing device 125 or the viewing device 125 may use the re-encodedvideo and the optimal segment parameters for each of the video segmentsto generate a two-dimensional video that automates head movement. Theoptimal segment parameters for each video segment provide a model forhow a user moves while watching the three-dimensional video. Thetwo-dimensional video may automate pitch and yaw movements to simulatethe model based on the optimal segment parameters. This mayadvantageously allow users to view an autopilot mode that automates thethree-dimensional movement without having to control the two-dimensionalvideo themselves by using, for example, a mouse, joystick, keys, etc.

In some embodiments, the encoder module 210 generates thetwo-dimensional video from the three-dimensional video based on theoptimal segment parameters. Because the optimal segment parameters for avideo segment indicate a region of interest in the video segment, theencoder module 210 may generate a two-dimensional video that depictshead tracking movement as automatic panning within the two-dimensionalvideo. For example, the encoder module 210 may convert athree-dimensional video that includes a bird flying overhead to atwo-dimensional video where it appears as if the camera moves overheadto look at the bird, the way a person viewing the three-dimensionalvideo would move. This may advantageously allow a person viewing contenton his desktop computer to have a simulated virtual-reality experience.

The encoder module 210 may generate a two-dimensional video from thethree-dimensional video that includes multiple optimal segmentparameters. For example, the encoder module 210 may generate thetwo-dimensional video based on multiple user profiles created based on afirst most common region of interest and a second most common region ofinterest, demographics information, etc.

The encoder module 210 may compress the three-dimensional video togenerate a stream of compressed three-dimensional video data using videocompression techniques. Because portions of the three-dimensional videomay include blurring, the three-dimensional video may be morecompressible than traditional three-dimensional videos. In someimplementations, the aggregation module 202 may encode the stream ofthree-dimensional video data (or compressed three-dimensional videodata) and audio data to form a stream of three-dimensional video. Forexample, the encoder module 210 may compress the stream ofthree-dimensional video data using h.264 and the stream ofthree-dimensional audio data using advanced audio coding (AAC). Inanother example, the encoder module 210 may compress the stream ofthree-dimensional video data and the stream of three-dimensional audiodata using a standard MPEG format.

The user interface module 212 may include code and routines forgenerating a user interface. In some embodiments, the user interfacemodule 212 includes a set of instructions executable by the processor225 to generate the user interface. In some embodiments, the userinterface module 212 is stored in the memory 227 of the video streamingserver 101 and is accessible and executable by the processor 225.

In some embodiments, the user interface module 212 may generate a userinterface that includes options for selecting a three-dimensionalvirtual reality video to view from a set of three-dimensional virtualreality videos. For example, the user interface may include options forusing an object, such as a sphere, to view a three-dimensional previewof one of the three-dimensional virtual reality videos. The differenttypes of user interfaces will be discussed in greater detail below withreference to the user interface module 306 of the viewing device 125.Persons of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the userinterface could be generated by either the user interface module 212 ofthe video streaming server 101 or the user interface module 306 of theviewing device 125.

Example Viewing Device 125

FIG. 3 illustrates an example viewing device 125. In some embodiments,the FIG. 3 illustrates an example viewing device 125 may include aspecial-purpose computing device configured to provide some or all ofthe functionality described below with reference to FIGS. 4A-10.

FIG. 3 may include a processor 325 that is coupled to the bus 320 viasignal line 334, a memory 327 coupled to the bus 320 via signal line336, a communication unit 345 that is coupled to the bus 320 via signalline 338, a display 347, that is coupled to the bus 320 via signal line340, and sensors that are coupled to the bus 320 via signal line 342.Other hardware components may be part of the viewing device 125. Becausea memory 227, a processor 225, and a communication unit 245 weredescribed with reference to FIG. 2, they will not be describedseparately here. The memory 327 stores a virtual reality application 103b.

The display 347 may include hardware for displaying graphical datarelated to the virtual reality application 103 b and the decoder 104.For example, the display 347 displays a user interface for selecting athree-dimensional virtual reality video to be displayed by the viewingdevice 125. The display 347 is coupled to the bus 320 via signal line340.

The display 347 may also include a virtual reality display device thatrenders the video stream for the three-dimensional virtual realityvideos. For example, the display 347 may include an Oculus Rift virtualreality display; headsets; augmented reality glasses; televisions,smartphones, tablets, or other devices with three-dimensional displaysand/or position tracking sensors; and display devices with a viewingposition control, etc.

The display 347 may also include hardware for rendering a stream ofthree-dimensional audio data on an audio reproduction device (e.g., aheadphone or other suitable speaker devices).

The sensors 349 may include hardware that is operable to track a viewingdirection of the user. For example, the sensors 349 may include agyroscope and an accelerometer. The sensors 349 may generate sensor datathat describes a location of a user while the viewer is viewingthree-dimensional virtual reality videos. For example, the sensor datamay include a description of yaw (i.e., rotation around a verticalaxis), pitch (i.e., rotation around a side-to-side axis), and roll(i.e., rotation around a front-to-back axis).

The virtual reality application 103 b includes a communication module302, a decoder 304, and a user interface module 306.

The communication module 302 may include code and routines for managingdata. In some embodiments, the communication module 302 includes a setof instructions executable by the processor 325 to manage data. In someembodiments, the communication module 302 is stored in the memory 327 ofthe viewing device 125 and is accessible and executable by the processor325.

In some embodiments, the communication module 302 manages communicationsbetween components of the viewing device. For example, the communicationmodule 302 receives a viewing direction of an end user from the sensors349 via the communication unit 345. The viewing direction describes theposition of the end user's head while viewing the three-dimensionalvirtual reality video. For example, the viewing direction may include adescription of yaw (i.e., rotation around a vertical axis), pitch (i.e.,rotation around a side-to-side axis), and roll (i.e., rotation around afront-to-back axis). The communication module 302 may receive theviewing direction from the sensors 349 periodically (e.g., every onesecond, every millisecond, etc.) or each time there is a change in theposition of the end user's head.

In some embodiments, the communication module 302 manages communicationsbetween components of the virtual reality application 103 b. Forexample, the communication module 302 may receive a three-dimensionalvirtual reality video via the communication unit 345. The communicationmodule 302 may transmit the three-dimensional virtual reality video fordecoding. The communication module 302 may also transmit the sensor datadescribing a viewing direction to the decoder 304 so that the decodercan decode an encoded three-dimensional virtual reality video based onthe viewing direction.

The decoder 304 may include code and routines for decoding an encodedthree-dimensional virtual reality video. In some embodiments, thedecoder 304 includes a set of instructions executable by the processor325 to decode the three-dimensional virtual reality video. In someembodiments, the decoder 304 is stored in the memory 327 of the viewingdevice 125 and is accessible and executable by the processor 325.

The decoder 304 may receive an encoded three-dimensional virtual realityvideo from the communication module 302 and decode and render a streamof three-dimensional video data on the display 347. In some embodiments,the three-dimensional virtual reality video is decoded and renderedbased on a viewing direction of the end user. For example, the decoder304 may prioritize the viewing direction by rendering pixels within theregion of interest as described by the viewing direction with a higherresolution than areas within the three-dimensional virtual reality videowhere the user is not looking. The viewing direction may be based onreceiving sensor data from the sensors 349 via the communication module302 while the user is viewing the three-dimensional virtual realityvideo.

In some embodiments, the decoder 304 may decode and render athree-dimensional virtual reality video based on a viewing direction asdetermined by the location a user enters the three-dimensional virtualreality video when the user selects the three-dimensional virtualreality video using an object such as a sphere in the user interface.For example, the user may select a location within the sphere forentering the three-dimensional virtual reality video and then enter thevideo, for example, by placing the sphere on the head of the user. Thedecoder 304 may determine the viewing direction based on the selectedlocation. The viewing direction may be rendered with a higher resolutionthan other areas within the three-dimensional virtual reality videowhere the user is not looking. This advantageously reduces the bandwidthof the three-dimensional virtual reality video and makes it easier andfaster to stream the content to the user.

In some embodiments where the user repositions a sphere to select a newlocation, the decoder 304 may update the viewing direction thatcorresponds to a location within the three-dimensional virtual realityvideo that is displayed within the sphere. As a result, the decoder 304may render the updated viewing direction at a higher resolution thanother areas within the three-dimensional virtual reality video where theuser is not looking.

The user interface module 306 may include code and routines forgenerating a user interface. In some embodiments, the user interfacemodule 306 includes a set of instructions executable by the processor325 to generate the user interface. In some embodiments, the userinterface module 306 is stored in the memory 327 of the viewing device125 and is accessible and executable by the processor 325.

The user interface module 306 generates a virtual reality user interfacethat includes selectable icons that correspond to a set ofthree-dimensional virtual reality videos. FIG. 4A illustrates an exampleuser interface 400 with selectable icons that correspond to a set ofthree-dimensional virtual reality videos according to some embodiments.In some embodiments, such as the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4A, theselectable icons display two-dimensional versions of thethree-dimensional virtual reality videos.

In this example, the set of three-dimensional virtual reality videos aredivided into different collections. For example, the “Behind the Scenes”category includes three-dimensional virtual reality videos that describehow videos were produced. In another example, the “Travel the World”category includes three-dimensional virtual reality videos of differentlocations in the world. The user interface 400 includes other ways toorganize the set of three-dimensional virtual reality videos.Specifically, a user may use a peripheral device 127 to view thethree-dimensional virtual reality videos organized as genres, channels,a set with no organization, or the user may select to move to the homemenu.

The user interface module 306 generates a virtual reality user interfacethat includes an object that can be moved in front of selectable iconsthat correspond to a set of three-dimensional virtual reality videos inorder to view a three-dimensional version of a virtual reality videowithin the object. For example, the object may be moved in front of afirst three-dimensional virtual reality video and will provide a firstthree-dimensional preview of the first three-dimensional virtual realityvideo and then the object may be moved in front of a secondthree-dimensional virtual reality video and will provide a secondthree-dimensional preview of the second three-dimensional virtualreality video.

FIG. 4B illustrates an example user interface 425 where an object 427includes a three-dimensional preview of a virtual reality videoaccording to some embodiments. In this example, the two-dimensionalselectable icon corresponding to the virtual reality video 429 isvisible behind the object 427 and the content of the two-dimensionalselectable icon is different from the three-dimensional preview.Specifically, the two-dimensional version includes a summary of thevirtual reality video and the three-dimensional preview includes contentfrom the three-dimensional video.

The object 427 is illustrated as being a rounded square, but other sizesare possible, such as spheres, rectangles, ovals, tubes, pentagrams,etc. A user may move the object 427 and modify settings using aperipheral device 127. For example, where the peripheral device 127 is aglove or a touch device (such as the Oculus Go), the user may hold theobject 427 in her hand and move it in front of different selectableicons to view their three-dimensional previews.

In some embodiments, the object 427 may be moved and stuck to differentlocations within the user interface. For example, the user may be ableto move the object 427 with a hand and withdraw the hand to keep theobject 427 at the same location. In another example, the peripheraldevice 127 may include a button that, when pressed, assigns the object427 to a specific location. In yet another example, the user may be ableto keep the object 427 at the same location by making a specific motion,such as moving the object 427 forward as if trying to stick the object427 to the user interface.

In some embodiments, where the peripheral device 127 is not a glove andinstead includes hardware such as a mouse, a joystick, or a touchdevice, the user interface may include a pointer 431 for selectingoptions in the user interface. For example, the user may be able to movethe object 427 using the peripheral device 127 by moving the pointer 431over the object 427, clicking, and dragging the object 427 to adifferent location.

In some embodiments, including the one illustrated in FIG. 4B, theobject 427 may include a progress bar 433 that is an indicator of aprogress of the three-dimensional preview being illustrated in theobject 427. In this example, the progress bar 433 illustrates that thethree-dimensional virtual reality video is about 40% completed. The usermay be able to manipulate the progress bar 433 by selecting a differentportion of the progress bar 433. Above the progress bar 433 areadditional controls including a current time of the progress of thethree-dimensional virtual reality video (2:02), a total time of thethree-dimensional virtual reality video (4:47), and buttons to rewind,pause, fast forward, and download the three-dimensional virtual realityvideo. The user may be able to manipulate the controls above theprogress bar by clicking or pushing on the controls using the peripheraldevice 127.

In addition to providing a three-dimensional preview of the virtualreality video, the object may be used by the user to enter athree-dimensional virtual reality video. For example, a user may enterthe three-dimensional virtual reality video by moving the object to belocated over the user's head, double clicking on the object, clicking ona button for entering the three-dimensional virtual reality video, etc.

A user may have a poor experience of a three-dimensional virtual realityvideo if the user wants to change locations within the three-dimensionalvirtual reality video because the world can be very large and movingaround within the three-dimensional virtual reality video to reach adifferent location may result in the user experiencing nausea. Thus, insome embodiments, a user may rotate the object to enter thethree-dimensional virtual reality video at a different location.

FIG. 4C illustrates an example user interface 450 of a sphere 452 thatillustrates a user entering the three-dimensional virtual reality videoat a first location according to some embodiments. In this example, theuser chooses to enter the three-dimensional virtual reality video in alocation where the forest meets a rock formation.

In addition, FIG. 4C shows additional options for control buttons thatare part of the sphere. Specifically, the control buttons include abutton 454 for viewing additional options, a button 456 for controllinga volume of the three-dimensional virtual reality video, and a button458 for moving to the homepage of the user interface.

If the user does not want to enter the three-dimensional virtual realityvideo at the first location, the user can modify the sphere to enter thethree-dimensional virtual reality video at a different location withdifferent parameters. For example, the user could rotate the sphere toidentify any location within the 360 degree sphere to enter into thethree-dimensional virtual reality video. In addition, the user canmodify the progress bar to change the time at which the user enters thethree-dimensional virtual reality video.

FIG. 4D illustrates an example user interface 475 of the sphere of FIG.4C where a user has rotated the sphere 477 to enter thethree-dimensional virtual reality video at a second location accordingto some embodiments. The user interface module 306 receives datadescribing a rotation of the sphere, for example, via the communicationmodule 302. In this example, the user is associated with a peripheraldevice 127 that is a glove or a touch device. The user interface module306 generates graphical data for displaying a hand to help the userorient himself within the three-dimensional virtual reality video. Whenthe user moves his hand with the peripheral device 127, the userinterface module 306 receives data from the peripheral device 127 andupdates the graphical data to display corresponding movement of the handwithin the three-dimensional virtual reality video. The user interfacemodule 306 also updates a viewing direction that corresponds to alocation within the three-dimensional virtual reality video that isdisplayed within the sphere.

In FIG. 4D the user rotated the sphere 477 using the glove or touchdevice to find a second location within the sphere where the user canenter the three-dimensional virtual reality video. This approach toentering the three-dimensional virtual reality video at the secondlocation reduces nausea by allowing the user to reduce the time spent inthe three-dimensional virtual reality video at an undesirable location.

FIG. 4E illustrates an example user interface 490 of the sphere of FIG.4D after the user has selected to enter at the second location accordingto some embodiments. As a result of changing the location, the user isable to enter the three-dimensional virtual reality video at the top ofthe mountain instead of at the bottom of the mountain as illustrated inFIG. 4B.

As described above, there are many ways for a user to enter athree-dimensional virtual reality video using an object. For example,the user may use a peripheral device 127 to double click on the object,the object may include a button for entering the content, etc. In someembodiments, the user may enter the three-dimensional virtual realityvideo by placing the object over the user's head.

In some embodiments, when the decoder 304 is rendering a firstthree-dimensional virtual reality video, a preview of a secondthree-dimensional virtual reality video may be displayed within theobject. The user may be able to select the second three-dimensionalvirtual reality video within the object. As a result, the decoder 304may reverse the first three-dimensional virtual reality video with thesecond three-dimensional virtual reality video such that the secondthree-dimensional virtual reality video renders and the firstthree-dimensional preview of the first three-dimensional virtual realityvideo is displayed within the object.

FIG. 5A illustrates an example 500 of a user holding a sphere 502according to some embodiments. In this example 500 the user may havegloves or a touch device as a peripheral device 127 and, from the user'sperspective, the user is holding the sphere 502 in his hand. As the usermakes a motion with the peripheral device 127 to move the sphere 502,the user interface module 306 generates graphical data to illustrate thesphere 502 in the user interface to move based on the user's action withthe peripheral device 127. For example, as the user moves the peripheraldevice 127 to be closer to the user's head, the user interface module306 generates graphical data to show the sphere 502 moving closer to theuser's head.

In some embodiments, as the user moves an object (e.g., a sphere) closerto the user's head, a size of the object increases. For example, asillustrated in FIG. 5A, the size of the sphere is small enough to fitcomfortably in the user's hand, but as the user moves the sphere to theuser's head, a size of the sphere increases so that the sphere is largerthan the user's head. This is illustrated in FIG. 5B and described ingreater detail below.

FIG. 5B illustrates an example 550 of the sphere 552 of FIG. 5A on topof the user's head so that the user can view three-dimensional virtualreality video according to some embodiments. FIG. 5B illustrates how theuser would look to another user inside the three-dimensional virtualreality video. From the user's perspective, once the user places thesphere 552 on his head, he has entered the three-dimensional virtualreality video and his 360 degree environment corresponds to thethree-dimensional virtual reality video.

In some embodiments, after the user places the sphere 552 on the user'shead, the user interface module 306 generates graphical data thatdisplays an edge of the sphere. For example, the user interface module306 may display the sphere as a translucent helmet. This effect may betemporary, such as for the five ten seconds after the user puts thesphere over his head. Alternatively, the edge of the sphere may becomeinvisible unless the user moves a peripheral device 127 close to thesphere.

In some embodiments, the user interface module 306 may generategraphical data illustrating an edge of the sphere if the peripheraldevice 127 is less than a threshold distance from the user's head. Forexample, the user interface module 306 may illustrate an edge of thesphere if the peripheral device 127 is less than two feet from thesphere because this distance may indicate the user's desire to removethe sphere and, as a result, exit the three-dimensional virtual realityvideo. Alternatively or additionally, the user interface module 306 maygenerate graphical data illustrating the edge of the sphere if theperipheral device 127 moves in a way that indicates a trajectory towardsthe user's head. For example, the user interface module 306 maydetermine that the peripheral device 127 is moving towards the user'shead if the user rotates the user's hand to face the user's head andthen begins to move the hand closer to the user's head.

In some embodiments, the user may exit a three-dimensional virtualreality video by removing an object (e.g., a sphere) from the head ofthe user. For example, the user may move a peripheral device 127 closeto the head of the user, which causes the user interface module 306 todisplay an edge of the sphere. The user may grab the edge of the sphereand remove the sphere from the head of the user. The user interfacemodule 306 may display that the user exits the three-dimensional virtualreality video by displaying the three-dimensional virtual reality videoas part of the sphere and thereby no longer surrounding the head of theuser.

In some embodiments, the user may then choose to reenter thethree-dimensional virtual reality video at a different location, such asby rotating the sphere, which causes the user interface module 306 togenerate graphical data displaying the sphere as updating a perspectiveof the location within the three-dimensional virtual reality video thatis displayed within the sphere. The user may then reenter thethree-dimensional virtual reality video by selecting the sphere in therotated position, such as by putting the sphere back on the head of theuser, double clicking on the sphere, selecting a button displayed on thesphere for entering the three-dimensional virtual reality video, etc.

As a result of changing from a first location to a second location atwhich the user enters the three-dimensional virtual reality video, thedecoder 304 may change from rendering a first portion of thethree-dimensional virtual reality video to rendering a second portion ofthe three-dimensional virtual reality video to account for thecorresponding change to the viewing direction of the user. As a result,the decoder 304 may render the viewing direction corresponding to thesecond portion of the three-dimensional virtual reality video with ahigher resolution than other portions of the three-dimensional virtualreality video that do not correspond to the viewing direction of theuser.

In some embodiments, once the user exits a first three-dimensionalvirtual reality video, the user may choose to enter a secondthree-dimensional virtual reality video.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example user interface 600 for navigating betweendifferent three-dimensional virtual reality videos according to someembodiments. In this example, a set of three-dimensional virtual realityvideos are displayed as selectable icons 602A, 602B, and 602C at the topof the user interface 600. A user may view a three-dimensional previewof any of the set of three-dimensional virtual reality videos bydragging and dropping one of the three-dimensional virtual realityvideos by clicking and dragging content from one of the selectable icons602A, 602B, and 602C to the sphere 604. Once the user drags content tothe sphere 604, the user interface module 306 generates athree-dimensional preview of the selected three-dimensional virtualreality video.

In some embodiments, the user interface module 306 generates additionalinformation about a subject matter of the three-dimensional virtualreality video in proximity to the sphere 604. For example, theinformation box 606 to the left of the sphere 604 includes additionalinformation, such as a description of the content depicted by theselected three-dimensional virtual reality video. The next boxes 608A,608B, 608C to the right of the sphere 604 may include options forselecting additional previews of three-dimensional virtual realityvideos to view in the sphere 604.

The user interface module 306 may organize the set of three-dimensionalvirtual reality videos in different ways between the selectable icons602A, 602B, and 602C and the next boxes 608A, 608B, 608C. For example,the selectable icons 602A, 602B, and 602C may include examples of themost popular three-dimensional virtual reality video for three differentcategories, such as travel, action, and documentaries. The next boxes608A, 608B, 608C may include three-dimensional virtual reality videoswithin the same categories that are organized, for example, according tothe most viewed three-dimensional virtual reality videos within the samecategories.

In some embodiments, a user may be able to grab a three-dimensionalvirtual reality video and place it into an object. FIG. 7A illustratesan example user interface 700 of a user grabbing the three-dimensionalvirtual reality video by using a peripheral device 127 to grab at thethree-dimensional virtual reality video. The user may grab thethree-dimensional virtual reality video by pressing a grab button on aperipheral device 127 or by moving a finger and a thumb to be closer toeach other to pinch the three-dimensional virtual reality video from thescreen to a sphere.

FIG. 7B illustrates an example user interface 750 of thethree-dimensional virtual reality video pinched from FIG. 7A anddisplayed within an object 752 according to some embodiments. Once thethree-dimensional virtual reality video is in the object 752, the usercan rotate the object, put the object on a head of the user, move theobject and take the three-dimensional virtual reality video and put itin a different location within the user interface 750, etc.

Example Flow Diagrams

FIG. 8 illustrates an example flow diagram 800 for generating an objectfor viewing a three-dimensional preview of a three-dimensional virtualreality video according to some embodiments. The steps in FIG. 8 may beperformed by the virtual reality application 103 a stored on the videostreaming server 101, the virtual reality application 103 b stored onthe viewing device 125, or a combination of the virtual realityapplication 103 a stored on the video streaming server 101 and thevirtual reality application 103 b stored on the viewing device 125.

At step 802, a set of three-dimensional virtual reality videos isgenerated by stitching together image frames of one or more environmentscaptured by a camera array. At step 804, graphical data is generated fordisplaying a virtual reality user interface that includes (1) selectableicons that correspond to the set of three-dimensional virtual realityvideos and (2) and object. The object may be in a variety of shapesincluding, for example, a sphere. At step 808, a three-dimensionalpreview of the first three-dimensional virtual reality video is providedwithin the object. For example, if the user moves the object in front ofa selectable icon for a first three-dimensional virtual reality video ofa murder mystery movie, a three-dimensional preview of the murdermystery movie is provided within the object.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example flow diagram for using a sphere to viewthree-dimensional virtual reality video and reorient the user's locationwithin the three-dimensional virtual reality video. The steps in FIG. 9may be performed by the virtual reality application 103 a stored on thevideo streaming server 101, the virtual reality application 103 b storedon the viewing device 125, or a combination of the virtual realityapplication 103 a stored on the video streaming server 101 and thevirtual reality application 103 b stored on the viewing device 125.

At step 902, graphical data is generated for displaying a virtualreality user interface that includes a three-dimensional virtual realityvideo that is illustrated as being inside a sphere. FIG. 4B is anexample of how the three-dimensional virtual reality video looks insidea sphere. At step 904, it is determined, based on movement of aperipheral device 127, that a user selects the sphere in the virtualreality user interface and the user moves the sphere on a head of theuser. FIGS. 5A-5B illustrate an example of a user moving the sphere tobe on the head of the user. At step 906, the three-dimensional virtualreality video is displayed in the sphere surrounding the head of theuser such that the user views a 360 degree environment corresponding tothe three-dimensional virtual reality video.

FIG. 10 illustrates an example flow diagram for moving athree-dimensional virtual reality video from a first location into anobject according to some embodiments. The steps in FIG. 10 may beperformed by the virtual reality application 103 a stored on the videostreaming server 101, the virtual reality application 103 b stored onthe viewing device 125, or a combination of the virtual realityapplication 103 a stored on the video streaming server 101 and thevirtual reality application 103 b stored on the viewing device 125.

At step 1002, a set of three-dimensional virtual reality videos aregenerated by stitching together image frames of one or more environmentscaptured by a camera array. At step 1004, graphical data is generatedfor displaying a virtual reality user interface that includes atwo-dimensional selectable icon of the three-dimensional virtual realityvideo. At step 1006, it is determined, based on movement of a peripheraldevice 127, that a user moves a hand to be located over thethree-dimensional virtual reality video in the user interface and movesa finger and thumb to be closer to each other. FIG. 7A illustrates anexample of a user moving a hand to be located over the three-dimensionalvirtual reality video in the user interface and moves a finger and thumbto be closer to each other. At step 1008, an object is generated thatincludes a preview of the three-dimensional virtual reality video insidethe object. FIG. 7B illustrates an example of an object that includes apreview of the three-dimensional virtual reality video.

Embodiments described herein contemplate various additions,modifications, and/or omissions to the above-described panoptic virtualpresence system, which has been described by way of example only.Accordingly, the above-described camera system should not be construedas limiting. For example, the camera system described with respect toFIG. 1 below may include additional and/or different components orfunctionality than described above without departing from the scope ofthe disclosure.

Embodiments described herein may be implemented using computer-readablemedia for carrying or having computer-executable instructions or datastructures stored thereon. Such computer-readable media may be anyavailable media that may be accessed by a general purpose or specialpurpose computer. By way of example, and not limitation, suchcomputer-readable media may include tangible computer-readable storagemedia including Random Access Memory (RAM), Read-Only Memory (ROM),Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM), CompactDisc Read-Only Memory (CD-ROM) or other optical disk storage, magneticdisk storage or other magnetic storage devices, flash memory devices(e.g., solid state memory devices), or any other storage medium whichmay be used to carry or store desired program code in the form ofcomputer-executable instructions or data structures and which may beaccessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer. Combinationsof the above may also be included within the scope of computer-readablemedia.

Computer-executable instructions comprise, for example, instructions anddata which cause a general purpose computer, special purpose computer,or special purpose processing device (e.g., one or more processors) toperform a certain function or group of functions. Although the subjectmatter has been described in language specific to structural featuresand/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subjectmatter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to thespecific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific featuresand acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementingthe claims.

As used herein, the terms “module” or “component” may refer to specifichardware embodiments configured to perform the operations of the moduleor component and/or software objects or software routines that may bestored on and/or executed by general purpose hardware (e.g.,computer-readable media, processing devices, etc.) of the computingsystem. In some embodiments, the different components, modules, engines,and services described herein may be implemented as objects or processesthat execute on the computing system (e.g., as separate threads). Whilesome of the system and methods described herein are generally describedas being implemented in software (stored on and/or executed by generalpurpose hardware), specific hardware embodiments or a combination ofsoftware and specific hardware embodiments are also possible andcontemplated. In this description, a “computing entity” may be anycomputing system as previously defined herein, or any module orcombination of modulates running on a computing system.

All examples and conditional language recited herein are intended forpedagogical objects to aid the reader in understanding the invention andthe concepts contributed by the inventor to furthering the art, and areto be construed as being without limitation to such specifically recitedexamples and conditions. Although embodiments of the inventions havebeen described in detail, it may be understood that the various changes,substitutions, and alterations could be made hereto without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A computer-implemented method comprising:generating a set of three-dimensional (3D) virtual reality videos bystitching together image frames of one or more environments captured bya camera array; generating graphical data for displaying a virtualreality user interface that includes (1) selectable icons thatcorrespond to the set of 3D virtual reality videos and (2) an object;receiving, from a peripheral device, a selection of the object by a userof the peripheral device in the virtual reality user interface and anindication of a desire to move the object to be positioned in front of afirst 3D virtual reality video from the set of virtual reality videos;and providing a first 3D preview of the first 3D virtual reality videowithin the object.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the object is asphere.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein providing the first 3D previewof the first 3D virtual reality video includes displaying informationabout a subject matter of the first 3D virtual reality video inproximity to the object.
 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising:moving, using the peripheral device, the object to be positioned infront of a second 3D virtual reality video from the set of virtualreality videos; and providing a second 3D preview of the second 3Dvirtual reality video within the object.
 5. The method of claim 1,further comprising: moving, using the peripheral device, the object tobe located over a head of the user of the peripheral device; anddisplaying the first 3D virtual reality video in a shape of the objectsurrounding the head of the user.
 6. The method of claim 5, furthercomprising: responsive to moving the object over the head of the user,expanding the first 3D virtual reality video in the object to encompassa three-dimensional location surrounding the user; and playing the first3D virtual reality video.
 7. The method of claim 6, further comprising:determining a viewing direction of the user based on a configuration ofthe object; and rendering a first portion of the 3D virtual realityvideo that corresponds to the viewing direction of the user with ahigher resolution than other portions of the 3D virtual reality videothat do not correspond to the viewing direction of the user.
 8. Themethod of claim 6, further comprising: providing a second 3D preview ofthe second 3D virtual reality video within the object; receiving aselection of the second 3D virtual reality video from the user; andreversing the first 3D virtual reality video with the second 3D virtualreality video such that the second 3D virtual reality video renders andthe first 3D preview of the first 3D virtual reality video is displayedwithin the object.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the object includesan indicator of a progress of the first 3D virtual reality video.
 10. Asystem comprising: one or more processors; and a memory withinstructions stored thereon that, when executed by the one or moreprocessors, cause the one or more processors to perform operationscomprising: generating a set of three-dimensional (3D) virtual realityvideos by stitching together image frames of one or more environmentscaptured by a camera array; generating graphical data for displaying avirtual reality user interface that includes (1) selectable icons thatcorrespond to the set of 3D virtual reality videos and (2) an object;receiving, from a peripheral device, a selection of the object by a userof the peripheral device in the virtual reality user interface and anindication of a desire to move the object to be positioned in front of afirst 3D virtual reality video from the set of virtual reality videos;and providing a first 3D preview of the first 3D virtual reality videowithin the object.
 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the object is asphere.
 12. The system of claim 10, wherein providing the first 3Dpreview of the first 3D virtual reality video includes displayinginformation about a subject matter of the first 3D virtual reality videoin proximity to the object.
 13. The system of claim 10, wherein theinstructions cause the one or more processors to perform furtheroperations comprising: moving, using the peripheral device, the objectto be positioned in front of a second 3D virtual reality video from theset of virtual reality videos; and providing a second 3D preview of thesecond 3D virtual reality video within the object.
 14. The system ofclaim 10, wherein the instructions cause the one or more processors toperform further operations comprising: moving, using the peripheraldevice, the object to be located over a head of the user of theperipheral device; and displaying the first 3D virtual reality video ina shape of the object surrounding the head of the user.
 15. Anon-transitory computer readable medium with instructions that, whenexecuted by one or more computers, cause the one or more computers toperform operations, the operations comprising: generating a set ofthree-dimensional (3D) virtual reality videos by stitching togetherimage frames of one or more environments captured by a camera array;generating graphical data for displaying a virtual reality userinterface that includes (1) selectable icons that correspond to the setof 3D virtual reality videos and (2) an object; receiving, from aperipheral device, a selection of the object by a user of the peripheraldevice in the virtual reality user interface and an indication of adesire to move the object to be positioned in front of a first 3Dvirtual reality video from the set of virtual reality videos; andproviding a first 3D preview of the first 3D virtual reality videowithin the object.
 16. The computer-readable medium of claim 15, whereinthe object is a sphere.
 17. The computer-readable medium of claim 15,wherein providing the first 3D preview of the first 3D virtual realityvideo includes displaying information about a subject matter of thefirst 3D virtual reality video in proximity to the object.
 18. Thecomputer-readable medium of claim 15, wherein the operations furthercomprise: moving, using the peripheral device, the object to be locatedover a head of the user of the peripheral device; and displaying thefirst 3D virtual reality video in a shape of the object surrounding thehead of the user.
 19. The computer-readable medium of claim 18, whereinthe operations further comprise: responsive to moving the object overthe head of the user, expanding the first 3D virtual reality video inthe object to encompass a three-dimensional location surrounding theuser; and playing the first 3D virtual reality video.
 20. Thecomputer-readable medium of claim 19, wherein the operations furthercomprise: determining a viewing direction of the user based on aconfiguration of the object; and rendering a first portion of the 3Dvirtual reality video that corresponds to the viewing direction of theuser with a higher resolution than other portions of the 3D virtualreality video that do not correspond to the viewing direction of theuser.